My Hidden Book Review - No Spoilers

Plot Summary

Hidden by Shalini Boland is the atmospheric, darkly romantic first book in the Vampires of Marchwood series. The story centers on Madison Greene, whose life changes forever on her sixteenth birthday when she unexpectedly inherits a sprawling, ancient mansion—Marchwood House. Alone and yearning for belonging after years in foster care, Madison explores her new home and uncovers its most dangerous secret: a centuries-old vampire named Alexandre, found sleeping in a set of ancient, sealed boxes in the basement. When Alexandre awakens, the two are drawn powerfully together. As Madison learns about her inheritance and the vampire world lurking beneath the estate’s surface, supernatural dangers and deadly vampire politics close in. Together, Madison and Alexandre must face not only forbidden attraction but the very real threats posed by ancient enemies, spoiled heirs, and a destiny neither of them chose. The novel hurtles toward a tense, romantic cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next book in the series.

Why I Love This Book

I love how Hidden plunges straight into gothic ambiance and quick suspense, but still makes room for slow-burn romance and genuine character development. Madison’s mix of bravery, vulnerability, and curiosity pulled me right in—she isn’t just a damsel in distress. Alexandre is mysterious, dangerous, but achingly lonely; their relationship feels natural and full of longing, never just about the fantasy. I appreciate how the mansion itself acts as a character—every dusty corner and ominous secret heightens the tension. The pacing keeps me turning pages, with just enough twists and betrayals to keep me guessing. Above all, I admire Boland’s ability to blend dark fantasy and romance—there’s plenty of heat and tension, but the emotional stakes always come first. When the first book ends, I’m left desperate to dive into the sequel and discover what fate awaits Madison and Alexandre.

Who Will Like This Book

If you love contemporary gothic romance with vampires, found families, and high-stakes suspense, Hidden is for you. It’s perfect for fans of K.F. Breene, Tracy Wolff, or Sarah J. Maas who want swoony vampires, a resilient heroine, and a plot full of secrets. The book is appropriate for both YA and crossover adult readers, given its focus on younger characters and themes of identity, legacy, and chosen family. Content-wise, expect suspense, violence, dangerous supernatural politics, and plenty of angsty yearning—but nothing explicit.

⚠️ Trigger warnings: contains scenes of violence, abduction, traumatic family secrets, and dark supernatural peril.

Tagged As

vampire romance, gothic, found family, inheritance, haunted mansion, slow-burn, romantic suspense, YA crossover, supernatural thriller, angst, forbidden love, series, chosen family, destiny, dark fantasy, cliffhanger, emotional journey, coming of age

Steam Level

This is a mild, YA-appropriate romance with plenty of yearning, some kisses, and emotional intensity, but no explicit scenes. The sensuality is high, but the book remains clean in terms of on-page content.